Tobacco River Memorial Trail (Kootenai Trail)

Montana

6 Reviews

The Tobacco River Memorial Trail, also known as the Kootenai Trail, offers northwestern Montana scenery as it stretches 7 miles from Eureka to Rexford off Lake Koocanusa. Much of the trail is wooded and follows the Tobacco River along a former railroad bed. Although not paved, the trail is relatively flat and not strenuous. Surrounded by Forest Service land, you may see deer, wild turkeys, bald eagles or even a black bear.

In Eureka, be sure to stop at the Tobacco Valley Historical Village with beautifully restored pioneer buildings, some dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Rail buffs will also enjoy seeing an old Great Northern caboose and the Old Rexford Depot along the trail.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available on the east end of the trail in Eureka's Riverside Park.

Good Trail but not Complete

August 2025 acewickwire

Enjoyed the trail. Rode from Eureka to Rexford. First portion (half nearly) of the trail is old railroad bed until it comes to an abrupt end. Directional signs are non-existent but most of the trail is easy to follow, with an except. At the end of the railroad bed section the trail passes by a primitive camping area. At that point leave the trail to the left and follow gravel road up the hill to the highway. Follow highway to right maybe a half mile. Turn right again on to first gravel road through an area of houses. The road is posted private road for residents. Follow downhill staying left until end and pickup trail off the side of the road. Easy to follow from there past the Rexford Bench Campground area. Trail very nice to the end. There are some information panels about the trail and projects.

Peaceful but a bridge is missing

August 2024 mrsbjsmith

We started in Eureka and when we got to the part where is shows the trail over the water, there was no way to cross the river, it dead ends. We took the road to the left and it took us through dispersed camping but the roads were so rough, we decided not to go further. It was just too rough for us. If it stayed the trail it would have been wonderful.

Nice Walk

July 2020 lynnemonsees

Easy trail with pretty scenery

Rocky ride with great views and side areas to play on!!

October 2015 kenneth & deborah

You ride the old train tracks and the rock bed is there to remind you along the way. The views of the river, and bridges, and wildlife is worth every pedal. There are many side areas to play on. They are meant for the motorcycles and other motorized vehicles, but we had a blast playing on them as well. Many benches to stop and enjoy the views, plus some restrooms along the way. This is a great afternoon ride from Eureka to Lake Koocanusa. We will ride this one again next summer. The historic village in Eureka is worth stopping at also.

Tobacco River Memorial Trail (Kootenai Trail) Reviews

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Accordion

Rough but worth the Scenery

May 2009 noel.keler

This is a bumpy, irregular trail for Tri-Cruiser, rocks, large gravel. Parallels RR grade. However the scenery is good. Turned around after 2.2 miles after a rider told me that to get to Rexford the trail became steep single track out of the River Valley.
Drove over the trail on Hwy 37 ( N48.89587 W 115.11553 ) just before Rexford and took pictures from the bridge.
I could not fine access to the trail off the dirt road, on the NW side of Hwy, that ends under the bridge .
Parking in Eureka City Park N48.87783 W115.05344 2598 ft, it is close to start of trail just across the river. For the Eureka Riverwalk parking in Tobacco Valley Historical Village. Noel Keller 21 Apr 09

"Tobacco River Memorial Trail, MT"

May 2006 elk4me

Very friendly trail with great scenery. I live in the town of the trail and ride it alot during the spring to late fall months. It has been a great improvement to my little town.